MEGHAN Markle is expected to celebrate this Christmas at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate before she marries Prince Harry, even though Kate was not invited when she got engaged to Prince William.

Meghan is likely to take a seat at the table for traditional festivities with the Royal Family because her family live across the pond in the United States, according to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams.

The unprecedented move will raise eyebrows as Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, was not invited to join Prince William for the three-day celebrations in 2010 despite announcing their engagement a month before.

Mr Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk: “It is expected Meghan will join Harry and the rest of the Royal Family for Christmas on the Queen's estate in Sandringham in Norfolk this year.

“In 2010 Kate was not invited to do so after her engagement to William nor was Mike Tindall after his to the Princess Royal's daughter Zara Phillips and only spouses and close family are usually invited.

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Meghan and Harry will celebrate Christmas with the Queen

GETTY

Harry and Meghan will tie the knot in May

Harry and Meghan will be living together at Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace and her family are in the United States

Richard Fitzwilliams, royal commentator

“However Harry and Meghan will be living together at Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace and her family are in the United States.

“The monarchy relies heavily on precedent and tradition but it also makes its own.”

Mr Fitzwilliams said it is now “pivotal” the US actress is integrated into the family before she marries her prince at Windsor Castle in May.

He said Kate and other members of the monarchy would help her to get into the swing of royal life.

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Kate was not invited to spend Christmas with the Queen after she became engaged to William

Mr Fitzwilliams added: “Now they are engaged and she will shortly be a senior member of the royal family it is pivotal that she feels an integral part of it as soon as possible.

“Kate and the younger members will help her through the strict protocol of the royal festive celebrations which take place over three days and which can be daunting.”

The royal commentator also predicted the Queen would “undoubtedly” refer to her grandson’s engagement to the US actress during her Christmas broadcast.

He added: “During the celebrations Meghan will get to know the royal family much better.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's royal engagement

Mon, November 27, 2017

The much-anticipated news was confirmed by the Prince of Wales in a brief statement issued by Clarence House